Blarney Castle, County Cork

In our humble opinion, any trip to Ireland must include a visit to Blarney Castle. Steeped in history, myth and mystery, Blarney Castle is a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.

The medieval stronghold which stands today is in fact the third castle to have been erected on this site; first, a 10th-century wooden structure, next a stone building was erected around 1210 A.D., and finally, the third and final castle, built from the foundations of the former in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster.

The word ‘Blarney’ itself is said to have been introduced to the English language by Queen Elizabeth I. Despite her efforts to take possession of the castle, she was continually thwarted by the cunning and smooth-talking McCathy. ‘Blarney’ describes ‘pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. Visitors too can possess McCarthy’s gift of the gab by kissing the mythical Blarney Stone (or stone of eloquence), a treasure which has brought travellers to the castle for hundreds of years.

Blarney Castle is set in over 60 acres of stunning parkland, filled with rare and unusual plants and trees and is steeped in its own history. See our ancient trees and stones, believed to be a garden of druidic origin and a centre of worship in pre-Christian days. Visit the Druid’s Cave, Wishing Steps and Witch’s Kitchen, and immerse yourself in the wild magic of ancient Ireland.

Share